If you’re a new parent or soon will be, you may be wondering how many diapers to stock up on and which kind to buy.
Some experts estimate that babies go through as many as 2,000 to 3,000 diapers in their first year of life! However, assuming that you’ve opted for disposable, rather than washable cloth diapers, figuring out how many of each size and type to buy can leave even experienced parents scratching their heads.
That’s why we’ve come up with a guide to help you estimate how many diapers in each size to purchase (or add to your registry) before your baby arrives and the best diapers to buy for every stage of development.
Newborn Diapers
Newborn diapers fit babies from about 7 pounds up to 10 pounds, so, unless your child was born prematurely (P-size diapers can also be easily found) or especially large at birth, these will be the size of diaper you’ll likely want to have on hand when you bring your child home for the first time. The best diapers for newborns also offer a cut-out for the umbilical cord area to prevent any rubbing and irritation in that sensitive spot.
How many you’ll need of this diaper size largely depends on how much your child weighs when they are born. Although the average full-term baby weighs about 7 1/2 pounds at birth, your own baby could be smaller or larger than the norm, depending on a wide range of factors that affect birth weight. Still, as a general rule, most newborns gain about 2 pounds in the first month of life.
So, if your child is an average weight at birth and goes through about eight to 12 diapers a day, that would mean you’ll need around 240 to 360 newborn diapers total. Keep in mind that if your child weighs more than 7 1/2 pounds at birth, you’ll need fewer diapers or if they are born smaller than average, you may need even more.
Size-1 Diapers
While some babies may only spend a short time in newborn diapers, most babies will spend at least several months in size-1 diapers since these fit weights between 8 to 14 pounds. So, if you want to buy in bulk or put diapers on your registry to pair with a diaper bag, size-1 diapers are a great choice for this reason.
While the newborn stage is a time of rapid growth, most babies tend to slow down their weight gain after the first month, averaging about 5 to 7 ounces per week. So, as a rule of thumb, 650 to 1,000 diapers will cover about three months at this stage. If you haven’t already bought one, a great diaper bag — or diaper backpack — will definitely come in handy by this point.
Size-2 Diapers
Once your baby reaches 12 to 18 pounds, they can transition to diapers that are size 2. One of the pluses of reaching this stage is that your child will hopefully require fewer diaper changes as they begin to take in more milk or formula at each meal. This may mean that you only need eight or nine daily diaper changes instead of needing up to 12 each day as before.
Assuming your baby will spend three months at this size, 650 to 750 diapers is a rough estimate of how many you might need to get you through.
Size-3 Diapers
By the time your child is ready for size-3 diapers, they will weigh between 16 and 28 pounds. As a rule of thumb, babies reportedly tend to stay in size 3 for the longest period of time — about six months by some estimates. Assuming six or seven diaper changes per day, this could mean you might need anywhere between 1,000 to 12,000 size-3 diapers before moving on.
Also, once your child begins sleeping through the night (typically around six months of age), you may also want to consider adding overnight diapers to your stash. These are thicker and more absorbent diapers that help to keep a baby dry for longer stretches of time and prevent leaks and blow-outs that may otherwise wake your child up.
Size-4 Diapers
As your child gets closer to the age of 2, you may begin contemplating potty training or your now-toddler may be ready for training diapers that allow them more independence. Alternatively, your child may not be ready for all that freedom yet and may need to transition to size-4 diapers once they’ve grown to the range between 22 and 37 pounds. Since each child’s needs can be unique, you may want to wait before stocking up on this size of diaper until your child is closer to this stage and you have a better sense of what their diapering needs are.
Training Diapers
Once you’ve decided they are ready for training diapers, like Pull-Ups or Easy Ups, you’ll find that the sizes are easier to understand. At this stage, the sizes come in a range that aligns with the ones you’d buy their pants in, so 2T-3T or 4T-5T, for example. These diapers are often sold in smaller quantities than regular diapers but hopefully you will begin to only need them overnight, rather than all day.
Swim Diapers
Finally, if you’re taking your little one to the pool and don’t want them simply peeing in the water as they swim, grab a pack of swim diapers, which don’t swell up and get heavy like regular diapers. You can get disposable or reusable ones in various patterns. Sizing patterns of swim diapers can range by brand but typically align with the numbered sizes that match your baby’s regular size.
However, Pampers uses lettered sizing for its Splashers line of swim diapers, wherein S covers 13-24 pounds, M covers 20-33 pounds and L covers 31 pounds and heavier.
Want more ideas for what to buy before your baby’s arrival? Take a look at our recommendations for the best baby bottles and the best registry gifts.
FAQs
Can a 7 pound baby wear size 1 diapers? ›
Pampers Baby Diaper Size Chart by Weight
For example, a size 1 diaper's weight range is for a baby who is between 8 and 14 pounds, whereas a size 2 diaper's weight range is between 12 and 18 pounds.
Several options exist for diapering your baby – disposable diapers, cloth diapers, and flushable diapers.
How do I know what size diaper to use? ›Check the waist
A diaper should close easily without having to tug and pull at them. Also, consider the rise of the diaper. A properly fitting diaper should come just slightly below your little one's belly button. If it's fitting a little more like a low rise, it's time to move on up!
Examine a diaper in the current diaper size to see how it fits your baby. If you notice red marks around your baby's upper legs and tummy from the elastic in the diaper, the diaper is likely too small. Additionally, if you notice that the diaper looks or feels too snug on your baby, it is likely too small.
What is the number 1 diaper? ›Pampers. Pampers earns the top spot on our list because the company designs diapers with all kids in mind, including the tiniest and newest of littles, newborns. The company's diapers feature a wetness indicator to tell when it's time for a change, and an umbilical cord cut-out to prevent any irritation on newborns.
What is the no diaper method? ›The elimination communication potty training method is based on the idea that babies naturally signal when they need to go. Once you've figured out your child's cues, you can position them over a potty and make a sound (like a whistle or a hiss). They'll eventually respond by peeing or pooping on demand.
Do parents prefer Huggies or Pampers? ›We scoured the Web for reviews on both Huggies and Pampers and it seems there is no clear winner. There is a slight advantage for Pampers, as parents seem to like the softness of the material and the extra absorbency. Huggies Little Movers seem to be a fan favorite among parents of toddlers.
What age do size 4 diapers fit? ›Make sure that the diaper fits snugly around the waist and thighs by running your fingers around the edges and checking that there are no gaps. If you prefer to have a diaper that is loose-fitting, you may experience leakage as urine and poop comes out through the gaps before it can be absorbed.
What age is Pampers size 5 for? ›While it's important to keep in mind that all babies are different, we recommend our size 5 nappies from approximately 11kg or 24lbs, which for most children is around the age of 18 months.
Is it better to size up or down in diapers? ›
Your baby may need to size up in diapers if their skin is irritated or they seem uncomfortable. You may also need to size up if the leg holes are tight or your baby's bottom is exposed. Diapers are sized by weight, not age, so pick the right diaper based on how heavy your baby is.
How long do you use size 1 diapers for? ›Size 1 (8 -14 pounds): Most babies need size 1 diapers until 4 months of age, and they'll soil about 8-10 diapers each day. Therefore parents can plan to buy around three to four boxes, based on 164 diapers per box.
Should diaper tabs overlap? ›With Tabs Fastened Easily
First of all, the diaper tabs go in the front, near your baby's tummy. They should fasten easily without having to tug them too much. If the tabs meet or overlap in the middle with no problem, the diaper might be too big.
Tip 4: Size up.
Diaper companies know this, so larger sizes are designed to hold more urine. By sizing up your diaper, you're basically increasing your absorbency. For example, a Huggies Size 6 diaper holds 7 to 13 more ounces than their Size 5 diaper.
Disposable diapers often come with a built-in indicator to let you know if your baby has peed or not. The color will usually change from yellow to blue or even pink, making it clear that the diaper is wet.
Should diaper tabs be in front or back? ›First of all, the diaper tabs go in the front, near your baby's tummy. They should fasten easily without having to tug them too much. If the tabs meet or overlap in the middle with no problem, the diaper might be too big.
What diaper can hold the most? ›- #1) NorthShore MEGAMAX.
- #2) Rearz Inspire+ Incontrol.
- #3) BetterDry Adult Diapers.
- #4) Abena Abri-Form White Foil Comfort Briefs.
- #5) ConfiDry 24/7 Maximum Absorbency Briefs.
- Tranquility TopLiner Super-Plus Contour Booster Pads.
- Abena Abri-Let Booster Pads.
Youth diapers are extra small adult diapers used by children and teens through their growing years. While people often simply look for size 7 diapers, youth diapers actually cover a wide range of children, often adjustable for children 2 - 18 years old, with waist sizes ranging between 15” to 31” or 38 cm to 78 cm.
What size diapers sell the most? ›First things first: Diapers are sized by weight and not by age. Most babies will start in the Newborn size (which also has a cut-out in the front for the umbilical cord) then ultimately spend the majority of their diapering days in size 4, the most popular size on the market.
What is the oldest diaper? ›The first disposable diaper was created in 1942 in Sweden, and was nothing more than an absorbent pad held in place with a pair of rubber pants.
What is a 360 diaper? ›
Description. Pampers Cruisers 360 diapers are our best fit and protection for your active baby. Unlike ordinary disposable diapers that gap in the back, Pampers Cruisers 360 diapers stretch comfortably around your baby's waist and adapt to their every move for a flexible, gap-free fit that is up to 100% leakproof.
What is the healthiest diaper? ›- Healthynest Diapers.
- Kudos Diapers.
- Ecoriginals Plant-Based Diapers.
- Nest Baby Diapers.
- Joonya Diapers.
- Eco by Naty Diapers.
- Andy Pandy Premium Bamboo Diapers.
- Eco Pea Co. Bamboo Diapers.
No. Even with a baby girl, you don't need to worry about wiping after they pee. This is because urine doesn't normally irritate the skin and most nappies easily absorb it anyway .
Do you have to wipe baby pee? ›Believe it or not, not every diaper change requires the use of wipes. This is not only because pee is rarely irritating but also because today's superabsorbent disposable diapers effectively limit the amount of pee that comes into contact with your baby's skin.
Do you wipe baby pee? ›There's no real need to wipe your boy down after a wee. Modern nappies are highly absorbent to quickly soak up most of it, while urine rarely irritates their skin even if it does come into contact. Always wipe after a number two though. with a soft towel so they're dry and comfortable for the rest of the day.
What is the safest diaper brand? ›- Aleva Naturals Bamboo Diapers. These feature a bamboo top-sheet and back-sheet, and a fluff and plant-based SAP core. ...
- Andy Pandy. ...
- Dyper Diaper Subscription. ...
- ECO Boom Bamboo Baby Diaper. ...
- Happy Little Camper Natural Baby Diapers. ...
- Little Toes Biodegradable Bamboo Diapers. ...
- Healthybaby. ...
- Joonya Earth-Friendly Diapers.
Huggies absorbed an average of 84.5 mL of 5% salt water, while Pampers absorbed an average of 51.75 mL of 5% salt water (Table 2). We discovered that Huggies absorbed about 33 mL more than Pampers. This means that Huggies absorbed more simulated urine than Pampers.
What age do babies stop wearing diapers at night? ›By age four years, most children are reliably dry in the day. It's normal for night-time potty training to take longer. Most children learn how to stay dry at night when they are between three and five years old.
What age did you move to size 2 diapers? ›Average-size baby boys usually move into Size 1 diapers around four weeks old and Size 2 diapers at about three to four months. Average-size baby girls reach the same milestones later, transitioning into Size 1 diapers around six weeks and Size 2 diapers between four or five months.
Is it okay for a child to wear diapers until they are 3 or 4 years old? ›Most children will complete toilet training and be ready to stop using diapers between 18 and 30 months of age,1 but this certainly isn't the case for all kids. Some children are not fully out of diapers until after the age of 4.
Do you change a diaper every time they pee? ›
Babies need their diapers changed every time they pass urine or stool or at least every two to three hours. How often a baby needs their diaper changed also depends on how sensitive their skin is.
How many ounces of pee can a diaper hold? ›no, no pour some more! This what a diaper looks like with 2.5 bottles poured into it. No doubt this pampers diaper can hold approximately 40 ounces of water or pee.
Are you supposed to fold down back of diaper? ›Fold down the waistline of the diaper if your baby's umbilical cord has not fallen off yet to keep that area dry. Continue to do this for a few days after the cord has fallen off to prevent irritation.
What age is baby size 6 Pampers? ›Generally, size 6 fits little ones until they're potty trained between the ages of 2 and 3.
What does 4T mean in diapers? ›2T-3T: 16-34 lbs. 3T-4T: 32-40 lbs. 4T-5T: 38+ lbs. Style: Little Swimmers. Small: 16-26 lbs.
Are diapers supposed to cover the belly button? ›A properly fitting diaper should come just slightly below your little one's belly button. If it's fitting a little more like a low rise, it's time to move on up!
Do diapers expire? ›And for ones that are even older? Well, as a paper product, diapers can be used for an unknown period of time. But while they don't technically expire, manufacturers do recommend using them within 2 years of purchase.
Can I exchange diapers at Target without a receipt? ›No. Target does not accept returns of items purchased from other retailers. This is a major reason why Target's official return policy requires customers to provide proof of purchase for returns and exchanges.
How long do you use size 3 diapers? ›| DIAPER SIZE | WEIGHT | AGE RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Size 3 | 16–28 lbs. | 5–24 months |
| Size 4 | 22–37 lbs. | 18–36 months |
| Size 5 | > 27 lbs. | Older than 3 years |
| Size 6 | > 35 lbs | Older than 4 years |
Diaper Sizes
Size 1 (8-14 lb) - For larger newborns and infants up to 3 months old. Size 2 (12-18 lb) - For infants from 2 to 6 months old. Size 3 (16-28 lb) - For infants and toddlers from 5 months to 2 years old.
What can a baby see when born? ›
At birth your baby sees only in black and white, and shades of gray. Nerve cells in the brain and retina of the eye are not fully developed. They also have trouble focusing, and are not very light-sensitive yet. Infants' eyes are large compared to their bodies.
How do you tell if a diaper is too big or small? ›Check the waist
A diaper should close easily without having to tug and pull at them. Also, consider the rise of the diaper. A properly fitting diaper should come just slightly below your little one's belly button. If it's fitting a little more like a low rise, it's time to move on up!
WHEN DO I NEED TO STRIP MY CLOTH DIAPERS? To keep cloth diapers working their best, we recommend stripping them once a month. If a cloth diaper incompatible detergent has been used, then we recommend stripping all your diapers twice, and then switching to a compatible detergent.
How do you know when a diaper size is too small? ›Examine a diaper in the current diaper size to see how it fits your baby. If you notice red marks around your baby's upper legs and tummy from the elastic in the diaper, the diaper is likely too small. Additionally, if you notice that the diaper looks or feels too snug on your baby, it is likely too small.
What size diaper should a 7lb baby wear? ›Most standard size 1 diapers are designed to fit babies 8-14lbs. But, as we know, all babies are different and each diaper brand can fit a little differently also.
What size diapers does a 7 lb baby wear? ›| Diaper Size | Age | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| N | Newborn up to first weeks | Up to 10 pounds |
| 1 | Two to four months | 8 to 14 pounds |
| 2 | Four to seven months | 12 to 18 pounds |
| 3 | Seven to 12 months | 16 to 28 pounds |
The Pampers newborn size offers a fit for infants who weigh less than 10 pounds at birth but don't require premature sizing. Size 1 diapers. These diapers are designed for babies weighing between 8 and 14 pounds.
What age do babies start wearing size 1 diapers? ›Average-size baby boys usually move into Size 1 diapers around four weeks old and Size 2 diapers at about three to four months. Average-size baby girls reach the same milestones later, transitioning into Size 1 diapers around six weeks and Size 2 diapers between four or five months.
How many pounds is a size 6 diaper? ›| Type | Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Pampers Swaddlers | Size 4 | 22-37 lbs |
| Pampers Swaddlers | Size 5 | 27+ lbs |
| Pampers Swaddlers | Size 6 | 35+ lbs |
| Pampers Swaddlers | Size 7 | 41+ lbs |